The Jones Boys

The Jones Boys

This is the story of my Grandfather, his four brothers from Penyard, Merthyr Tydfil and their sons who played professional football from 1918 to 1970. One family who sent player after player to grace the teams of the football league for over 50 years. Even today, the family have members still involved in the game.

Will John (Shoni) Jones:

The eldest of 5 brothers, my Grandfather. No more than an average player, but this was the beginning and no one was to know that his brothers would go on to achieve greater things at football. Shoni turned out for Aberdare and Ton Pentre when these teams were part of the football league. He is pictured here with Ton Pentre from the 1921/22 season when they were beaten in the Welsh cup final by Cardiff. Family History Data– Ton Pentre 1921/22

Spaldings directory of 1922 shows the team listings for the Welsh Cup Final with my grandfather W.J.Jones playing for Ton Pentre.

Ivor Jones:

Ivor began to show the same skills as his elder brother Shoni. He was signed to Merthyr Tydfil FC and it wasn’t long before he was on his way to Swansea Town. From there his talents were spotted by West Bromwich Albion where he transferred in 1921. He was the first of the family to gain international recognition, being selected to play for Wales 10 times during his career. Family History Data

Emlyn Jones:

Signed for Merthyr Town in 1933. After six weeks he was transferred to Everton, playing alongside the likes of Dixie Dean. Moved on to Southend, playing over 500 games and becoming a firm favourite with the fans. Finished his career at Barrow after which he continued playing amateur football with Shirley Town in Birmingham. Family History Data– Emlyn at Wembley

Brynmor Jones:

Bryn started his career at Merthyr Town but soon moved over to Ireland playing with Glenavon. On his return to Wales, he played for Aberaman where he was quickly signed up by Wolverhampton Wanderers. A real favourite with the Molineaux crowd who nearly rioted when he was transfered for a record £14,000 in August 1938 to Arsenal. It was front page news, knocking talk of the impending world war that was facing the UK.
Bryn was selected to play for Wales no less than 17 times. He was in the side at Cardiff that beat England 4-2 in the 1930’s. He scored that day, along with another Merthyr lad, Dai Astley. Family History Data

Bertrand Jones:

Aston Villa were after the talented Bert. However, with the outbreak of World War 2, Bert was sent to Burma with the South Wales Borderers. Unfortunately, he never returned, being killed in action against the Japanese. Family History Data

Ken Jones:

Ken is the son of Emlyn. He played professionally at Swansea, Southend and Gravesend, but injury put him out of the game. He wasn’t finished with the game though, and became a sports journalist with the Daily Mirror. Following on from there he became sports writer at the Sunday Mirror and then the Independent.
Has written many books on sport including boxing and of course football.

Cliff Jones:

Perhaps the most famous of the Joneses. Signed to Swansea Town in the early 1950’s, Cliff was a wizard of the wing. In 1958 he was transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for another record fee, this time £35,000. He became a regular member of the Spurs first team, partnering Jimmy Greaves. The 60’s were known as the glory glory days at Tottenham, where the side were unbeatable. He was part of the double winning team of 1961 and 1962, and in the side that won the first European cup winners cup in England. Cliff was capped 58 times for Wales and collected three F.A. cup winners medals and the European cup winners medal. In 1970, after over 10 years at Spurs, he signed for Fulham where he retired from the game. He went on to teaching P.E.

Cliff has just published his autobiography

Bryn Jones:

The elder brother of Cliff. He started his career as a forward but settled down to become a resolute defender. After playing at Swansea then Bournmouth he went on to captain Watford where he finished his playing career. Bill McGarry, the manager at Bournmouth says, “No player ever gave more for me, and he’s still the best full back I ever managed.” Family History Data

Ivor Jones:

The youngest son of Shoni. This is my father seen here 2nd from the right back row with the England Schoolboys team at Ninian Park Cardiff in 1939. He was considered to be a full international of the future but with the war intervening and being of a somewhat shy nature declined to take up the sport as a professional. Family History Data

From the local paper March 1940 of the schoolboy international match Wales V England at Ninian Park, Cardiff. My father is shown playing for the England side Jones(Birmingham). Wales won 2-0 on this occasion.

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About Me

I’m Trev Jones from Birmingham, UK and now living in Wales. Together with my wife Debbie, we spent many years researching my Jones genealogy. I hope you enjoy this website as much as I have putting it together. There’s no details of living members of our family history except the stories of the ones who have made remarkable sporting, literary and other great personal achievements. If you have anything to add or indeed see any errors, please let me know. Thank you.

Old Map of Pen-Yard Merthyr Tydfil

Old map of Pen-Yard, Merthyr showing Baden Terrace and the surrounding area.

Family Photographs

Family Photos

The Tale of Two Caps

Moses Jones was born at 7:00 am on Friday the 15th December, 1843 in Bridge Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Our first Jones ancestor (2 x GGrandfather) to be born in Merthyr Tydfil. Read More about “Moses Jones”…